Imagine trying to submit your final art project, but the campus Wi-Fi is down — again! That was the reality for students at one of Canada’s top design universities. In frustration, many were burning through their own data plans just to meet deadlines. Free, reliable Wi-Fi at school is not a differentiator anymore — it’s a basic table stake.
Where connectivity is essential for students and staff, a prestigious Canadian higher education institution was facing mounting issues in its enterprise network — issues that were directly impacting learning, teaching, and day-to-day operations. They needed a partner who could not only solve the immediate challenges but also build a reliable foundation for the future.
At Compugen, we believe effective higher education IT solutions begin with active listening. As a Technology Ally, we collaborate closely with our customer’s teams to understand needs, pain points, and goals — then design tailored solutions that deliver lasting impact. With deep experience supporting higher education institutions across Canada, helping this university reclaim its digital edge was right in our wheelhouse. was right in our wheelhouse.
The Challenge - Plugged In but Powerless
The university, known for its art, design, and media degree programs, was running on an outdated, consumer-grade GPON network — built for small-scale use, not the digital demands of a creative campus.
The network equipment was crammed into compact enclosures high in the rafters. This made upgrades difficult and downtime a constant threat. Support tickets piled up. Students relied on hot spotting from their own devices. Professors lost time troubleshooting instead of teaching.
The priority was clear- find a smarter, cost-effective solution that didn’t just replace the old system but raised the bar. They needed a robust wireless infrastructure that could handle growing bandwidth demands, strengthen security, and provide a seamless, reliable experience for students and staff alike.
That’s when the Compugen Higher Education team stepped in. Although the Canadian design university was already working with a vendor and another value-added reseller, it was clear that a fresh perspective was needed.
The Solution - A Network Designed to Work
Compugen’s network and security specialists partnered closely with the university’s IT leadership to co-create a modern solution — one built not just for today’s needs, but for tomorrow’s growth. In strategic collaboration with Cisco, we crafted an offering that delivered unmatched value and performance — a clear example of how Compugen helps modernize network infrastructure in higher education institutions across Canada.
We delivered
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A high-performance network with improved segmentation and visibility.
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Strengthened security to protect sensitive student and faculty data.
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Seamless, campus-wide wireless coverage — eliminating the need for personal data usage.
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End-to-end support, from implementation to ongoing management, for a smooth and sustainable rollout.
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Strategic cost reductions that delivered a state-of-the-art solution within budget.
The Outcome - A Campus Transformed
Students now enjoy reliable, high-speed internet wherever they are on campus. Faculty can confidently use remote learning tools, run multimedia-rich lessons, and collaborate without disruption. The network simply works — supporting the daily rhythm of teaching and learning.
Compugen delivered a wireless infrastructure that no longer requires climbing ladders, rebooting equipment, or waiting on hold. Students no longer rely on personal data plans just to stay connected and support tickets have dropped significantly.
The transformation made such an impact that university leaders are already planning the next phase: a full wired network refresh — with Compugen as their trusted Technology Ally.
Struggling with aging campus IT systems? Discover the hidden costs of outdated infrastructure — and how to fix them? Compugen, a true Technology Ally, helps you take control — saving time, money, and sanity.
We can help elevate your maturity in hardware and software asset management, enabling you to reduce risk, improve visibility, and drive smarter IT decisions. Upgrade Your Campus IT Infrastructure with Compugen’s Higher Ed Expertise.